We’ve discussed in our blog about properly applying sunscreen or wearing the proper attire to help prevent skin cancer, but do you know the signs to look for? There are many reasons people get skin cancer, but it is often due to frequent and prolonged sun exposure. Skin cancer often pops up in those places that get the most sun, like our face, ears, neck, and shoulders, and is more likely to occur in people who have fair skin and lighter colored eyes.

There are many types of skin cancer, but the most common is basal cell carcinoma, with millions of cases reported each year. Basal cell carcinoma tumors typically don’t spread, but you should always check in with your skin-care professional if you notice signs of it developing.

How do I know if I have skin cancer?

It can be tough to self-diagnose and we know there is tons of misinformation online, so we always encourage you to check in with your doctor any time you notice something different on your skin. Here are a few early-warning signs that could point to basal cell carcinoma:

• Bumps that look like pearls – these are often reddish/pinkish, clear, or white. If they’re on the darker side, you might confuse them with a mole, so if you notice a new suspicious spot pop up, get it checked!
• Pink growths – a crust-like center or ruffled edges on a spot needs to be brought to your dermatologist’s attention as soon as possible!
• Skin patches – scar-like skin with rough borders might appear if you’ve got basal cell carcinoma, especially after sun exposure.
• Wounds that are slow to heal – a sore that seems to heal and then starts bleeding again can be a skin cancer sign.

If you notice any of these signs on your skin, it’s time to get them checked out by a skin-care professional for proper diagnosis. Here at Old Bridge Dermatology, Dr. Juan Vaillant is here to help! His 30+ years of solid experience treating hair, skin, and nail issues and his extensive knowledge of skin-care protocol make him the perfect dermatologist for you. To make an appointment, call our convenient Old Bridge, NJ office at 732-679-0222 today!